A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Punta Arenas vs. Lima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Punta Arenas or Lima?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Punta Arenas or Lima? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Punta Arenas or Lima?

Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Santiago, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Chile, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Punta Arenas?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Punta Arenas is $62, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Punta Arenas and Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Punta Arenas $31
    Lima $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Punta Arenas $62
    Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Punta Arenas and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Punta Arenas or Lima? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Punta Arenas


Hotels in Lima


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Punta Arenas Hotel Prices and Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Punta Arenas $1.76
    Lima $5.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas

Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Punta Arenas Airport to/from Punta Arenas: $34
  • Intercity transfers: $35
  • Punta Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Arrival Transfer: $50
  • Punta Arenas to Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) - Departure Transfer: $50
  • Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas hotels: $65
  • Private Transfer from Punta Arenas hotels to Punta Arenas Port: $65
  • Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ) to Punta Arenas - Round-Trip Transfer: $67
  • Private Transfer - Punta Arenas Airport(PUQ) to Punta Arenas Port: $71
  • Private Transfer - Punta Arenas Port to Punta Arenas Airport(PUQ): $71
  • Punta Arenas Airport to Puerto Natales Private Transfer: $80
  • Regular Transfer Punta Arenas- Villa Serrano (Minimum 2 pax): $200

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.45
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.45
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
  • Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
  • Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
  • Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $89
  • Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $88
  • Lima Peru Jorge Chavez Airport Transfer: $66
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Lima City - Lima Airport (LIM): $61
  • Private Transfer from Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport to Lima: $54
  • Private Transfer from Lima to Jorge Chávez (LIM) Airport: $54
  • The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers (Small-group): $52
  • From The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Punta Arenas or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima and Punta Arenas change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Punta Arenas $20
    Lima $18
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:


  • Donut
    $1.02
  • Dinner
    $25

Typical Food Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.36
  • Ice cream
    $3.54
  • Coffee
    $2.99
  • Donut
    $0.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.

  • Lima Market Food Tour - Taste 9 Popular Peruvian Snacks: $35
  • Lima Market Food Tour: $37
  • Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
  • Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
  • Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
  • Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $55
  • Food History & Local Markets (Food Tour): $56
  • 3-dish Peruvian Cooking Experience + Pisco Sour Making: $56
  • Lima's Food Tour through Local Markets & Barranco Visit: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class: $59
  • Peruvian Cooking Class, Market Tour & Exotic Fruits: $65
  • Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Punta Arenas $6.29
    Lima $8.69

Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.

  • Half day traditional City Tour: $42
  • City Sightseeing and Monuments Guided Tour: $42
  • Punta Arenas Sightseeing Tour: $64
  • Regular city cruise tour: $65
  • Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
  • Fort Bulnes cruises: $70
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $138
  • Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $153
  • Punta Arenas Private City Tour Shore Excursion: $155
  • King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $157
  • Magallanes Reserva and City Tour. Private Shore Excursion.: $158
  • Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $172

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    $16
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.31

Tours and Activities in Lima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:

  • Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
  •  Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
  • 1 Day Tour to Huacachina from Lima (Dunebuggy + Vineyards): $225
  • 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $269
  • 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
  • 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
  • 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
  • 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
  • 3-Hour Guided Bicycle Tour in Miraflores: $30
  • 3-Hour Private Scooter Tour through Miraflores with Guide: $50
  • 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $37
  • 4 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Punta Arenas $4.75
    Lima $5.65
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:


  • Alcohol
    $7.17

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.32
  • Beer
    $4.08
  • Cocktail
    $3.27

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
  • Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
  • Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $18
  • Local Wine Tour: $50
  • Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Punta Arenas and Lima, we can see that Lima is more expensive. And not only is Punta Arenas much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Punta Arenas would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Punta Arenas and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima than you might in Punta Arenas.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Punta Arenas Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Punta Arenas or Lima?

Lima has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Punta Arenas and Lima, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Punta Arenas or Lima?

Punta Arenas has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Punta Arenas or Lima in the Summer?

Both Lima and Punta Arenas during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.

In the summer, Punta Arenas is much colder than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Punta Arenas in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. In the summer, Punta Arenas often gets more sunshine than Limain July. Punta Arenas gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.

Punta Arenas usually gets more rain in January than Limain July. Punta Arenas gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Punta Arenas or Lima in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Punta Arenas and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Punta Arenas is generally much colder than Limain October. Daily temperatures in Punta Arenas average around 7°C (44°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Punta Arenas usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Punta Arenas gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Punta Arenas usually receives more rain than Limain October. Punta Arenas gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F) 
    Lima 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Punta Arenas or Lima in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Punta Arenas as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Punta Arenas in the winter. Punta Arenas is much colder than Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Punta Arenas averages around 1°C (35°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.

In the winter, Punta Arenas often gets less sunshine than Limain January. Punta Arenas gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.

Punta Arenas usually gets more rain in July than Limain January. Punta Arenas gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Punta Arenas or Lima in the Spring?

Both Lima and Punta Arenas are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Punta Arenas is much colder than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Punta Arenas in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

Punta Arenas usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lima during spring. Punta Arenas gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Punta Arenas usually receives more rain than Limain April. Punta Arenas gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 2°C (35°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 1°C (35°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 3°C (37°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 5°C (40°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 7°C (44°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)